This home is located at 523 7th St, SE:

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The flier says:

“In the Historic District! Simply Extraordinary – One of Capitol Hill’s Crown Jewels, Four time favorite on the House & Garden Tour. Three fantastic floors – 3591 SqFt – artfully blend the warmth and intimacy of a family home (3 -4 BR) with the stately elegance of an ambassadorial residence. Sublimely situated on a 4365 SqFt lot: terraces, lush gardens, POOL! THREE CAR GARAGE! Reward yourself.”

You can find more info here and more photos here.

I had to go with this reader request because of the pool. I’m typing this in a room without air conditioning and while I consider myself a tough guy, I’m nearing tears it is so hot. Looking at this pool is giving me the strength to finish posting today. Back on point, while I love the pool and location this price seems a bit high to me. Do you guys think $2,050,000 for this 3 bed/3.5 bath is realistic?

Thanks to a reader for sending in this great shot from the City Vista Safeway in Mt. Vernon Square.

“Dear PoP,

Now that Buddha Bar has opening could you do a Judging Restaurants post on it? I went over the weekend and tried some apps but would like to know if the entrees are work the $30 price tag.”

I’m super curious to know what you guys think as well. Now I admit I’m not the best dressed blogger but before they opened when I tried to get some photos they treated me quite dismissively so I’m a bit prejudiced to start. But if you guys say it’s a must visit, I’ll give them another shot. They are located at 455 Mass Ave, NW and you can see their menu here (careful music plays).

Should I give them another shot? Are the main courses worth the price? What’s the overall atmosphere like?

Photo by PoPville flickr user cacophony76

“Dear PoP,

Why does the yellow line stop service at Mt Vernon Sq during rush hour? It would be so much more efficient if it just traveled 4 minutes further to U St or 6 minutes further to Columbia Heights. I am tried of getting of the yellow line only to have the green line show up completely full. I don’t accept the excuse about the yellow line trains not being able to service Huntington effectively if it travels 2, 4 or 6 minutes further into the District. Those 4 minutes are better spent moving people from Mt Vernon Sq home!

Who can make this change? Do you think the readers of PoP petition enough pressure on those individuals to make this change?

It would really be better for more people. Utilitarian principles should run the metro!”

Sadly, I think this comes down to a budget issue. Given WMATA’s well known budget woes and safety issues I’m fairly certain extending the yellow line will have very little priority. I believe it was even in jeopardy of being cut completely. When the Metro system becomes a bit healthier (literally and financially) I def. agree that this is an issue worth pursuing. But at the moment I think a petition – even with 50,000 signatures – will not make much of a difference.

Do you guys think the yellow line will ever be extended north to Ft. Totten?

We first learned back in April ’09 that Red Derby (3718 14th St. NW at Quincy) was looking to get a roof deck.

Thanks to a reader for the heads up – permits have been issued, construction has begun and I’m told the progress is advancing ahead of schedule! You can see there is a huge gap in the ceiling:

The bar will be closed Wed. for more construction updates. I’m told that in addition to a deck, there will also be a bar on the roof and it will have a similar configuration to the one on the first floor. If all goes according to schedule the new roof deck should be open by the first week of August.

And let’s give big props to those working and supporting the Derby while construction is ongoing because when I stopped by Tues. night there was no air conditioning. I will gladly patronize the Derby in 90 plus degree heat without a/c if we are rewarded with a roof deck!

Stairs to the roof likely to go where the closet above is now

Photo from PoPville flickr user icubaji

This one may be a bit more difficult than previous contests but I think there is potential for some really good ones. I might be wrong, but just looking at the photo is making me laugh.  Good luck, winner picked Friday!

“Dear PoP,

I know last you covered the DC property auction and it seemed to draw a good bit of interest from your readers. The DC Gov is doing it again and there are some properties that may interest your readers.

You can see the list of properties here.

Which of these properties do you think has the best potential.
Last year’s auction seemed to have a lot of investor types and they have worked to change this.

Participation in the auction is limited to the following participants:

A) Homeowners who intend to purchase the property and reside in the property as their principal place of residence

B) Business entities which are active certified business enterprises (“CBE”) registered with the District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development

C) Not For Profit Corporations

Here is a press release from the DC Gov about the property sale. “

“Dear PoP,

We do basic maintenance such as patching flat tires, adjust gears and brakes, and fitting/adjusting the bike to the rider. We also give advice on riding in the area, safety, basic repair, and locking up. We are strictly volunteer run, with no shop affiliations, and completely free.”

If anyone would like to volunteer you can email Gil at gloverbikeclinic@yahoo.com

It’s wild to think we first learned about this restaurant back in Oct. ’09. This is the spot coming from the owner of Proof.

I realize this is not a traditional indicator but I’m encouraged by the sweet sign:

PoPville flickr user a digital cure grabbed this shot of what looks like the same artist from yesterday. Anyone know where this one is from?

A reader yesterday noted the artist is Gaia.

The flower boxes in front of Veranda (11th and P Streets, NW) are in full effect.

This is my all-time favorite house in Petworth. I’ve shown it before but I’m gonna try and properly show how sweet the wrap around porch is:

In early June I mentioned that the old Senso Sesto space, 1214 18th St. NW next to Public Bar and near Eighteenth Street Lounge, was becoming Lupe Mexican Cuisine. Well they have had a soft opening with a limited menu for the World Cup. (After the world cup the menu will certainly expand.)

For those that were familiar with the old Senso Sesto space – does the inside look much different?

The above assignment was completed by AU Grad student, Leslie Byford.

From an email:

Campus Progress invites you to attend the Washington D.C. premiere of the Media That Matters Film Festival, the premier showcase for short films on the most important topics of the day.

TONIGHT

June 22, 2010

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

E Street Cinema
555 11th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004

Sponsored by Campus Progress.

This event is free and open to the public.

Space is limited. You must RSVP to attend.